28 June 2010 | Steve Bagshaw

Nigel Smith, chief executive at the OGC, will be leaving his post when his current contract expires in September.

The move is part of a larger reorganisation including an as yet unnamed successor to Smith and the appointment of a new chief operating officer (COO) at the Efficiency and Reform Group (ERG). The changes have already seen the OGC moved from the Treasury to the Cabinet Office to form part of the ERG earlier this month.

Smith took up his three year tenure in 2007. “It has been a privilege to lead OGC over the last three years and to have served as a Permanent Secretary on the Treasury Board,” he said in a statement. “I am immensely proud of the progress made by the OGC team working with departments in putting procurement, estates management and commercial capability on the top table of Government. It is a tremendous foundation on which to build in supporting the Efficiency and Reform Group agenda.”

According to Francis Maude, minister for the cabinet office: “The OGC will play a key part in the crucial work of the Efficiency and Reform Group.  Nigel has done a great job developing the skills and expertise needed to tackle the deficit through efficiency and value for money. I thank him for his commitment and his achievements at the OGC and wish him well for the future.”

Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell said: “Over three years Nigel has been a positive influence on the way Government departments procure goods and services. He has been an excellent leader and leaves the OGC in a strong position as it seeks greater savings. I wish him well for the future.”

The identity of the new COO will be made “very shortly”.